Today is a happy and sad day. I quit my job as a yacht detailer and started back up with welcoming hands at my old job "auto mechanic". Now to the reason i quit. I was making more money detailing then as a mechanic but upon seeing and doing a few things i quit and planted my foot.

1. We used acid to wash hulls and anchors if they were rusty. Upon grabbing the acid i asked for gloves, and a mask for fumes. I was given a dust mask and typical latex gloves. This doesn't fly with me and made me very agitated.

2. The outdrives on a 38 ft formula were looking bad, i was told to sand and repaint. Instead of sand blasting or any other way they told me to do it by hand. Sucks, but not that big of a deal considering i was hourly. What really frothed my ass was when i was done sanding i was handed spray paint. I damn near walked out then. This is a 200,000 dollar boat. You dont spray paint the outdrives on a 200,000 dollar boat it needs marine grade paint in a gun for a nice even coat!!

3. We had a 33ft sea ray. It had been sitting out for awile and the marina owner wanted to fix it up, buff it, fix the leaking port window, shampoo the carpets, wipe the inside down and all other aspects of cleaning. Now the window had leaked awile so the carpet was black around the edges and nasty from people walking on it. I used pledge on all the wood, metal cleaner and wax on all stainless, and shampooed the carpets. I was even complimented by the mechanic's on how good it turned out. Later that week a cistomer wanted to look at it and upon walking in the boat said "if you replace the carpet ill but it". The service manager ripped me a new ******* saying "you know how much money and time it costs to replace carpet!" I handed him the keys to all the buildings and i walked away before i said or did something i regret.

I refuse to work for someone, when told that spray paint wont last in water the service manager said "i dont give a shit i just need to sell it". Or has me acid washing without proper equipment. The marina i worked for made a lot of money off selling boats. They sold Prestige, Cruisers, and a cpl others. He flew his airplane to france to talk to possible buyers. My question is are all Marinas this shady? My gf is a little upset bc im making less but has accepted the fact that i will not work for someone like that. I hope their not all like this because come spring ill have enough to buy a nice size boat and dont wanna deal with stuff like this.

GFC

10-01-2013 11:49 AM

Kudos to you for not relinquishing your standards. Different people have different ideas of what's acceptable. When those differences become too great from your standards you basically have two choices....relax your standards or find different employment.

You took the right path. Unfortunately the jerk you used to work for will find someone to replace you who will accept those lower standards.

healhustler

10-01-2013 12:04 PM

Uh..was the marina in question located in the Miami area. Sure sounds like it.

Thanks for not compromising on you idea of fairness and quality. It ain't easy living a life with those principals, but life ain't worth living without 'em. I'm about to complete a repair on my Hummer that was quoted by the local GM dealer at over 2800 bucks. Total for me will be around $200 for parts and 2 hours labor. I told them I was a damn good mechanic and not to bullshit me. They did anyway.

justinclay

10-01-2013 12:10 PM

No, I'm on the Illinois river about an hour south west of Chicago. My line is drawn in the sand so to speak. I will not do work that i know is not to my standards. Ill pitch a tent on my little two man bass boat before that.

CPseudonym

10-01-2013 01:21 PM

My experience is not to compromise your standards on safety or quality. If my employer did I walked. I've never been unemployed long enough to qualify for state benefits either.

Quality is a recession proof trait.

Nomad Willy

10-01-2013 01:35 PM

Justin,
Sad but it's that way throughout the retail and service industry. Hope you're not working now at a car dealership. Most all are the same.

Too bad we live in a system that rewards cheating.

justinclay

10-01-2013 01:39 PM

No, no dealerships for me. Are marinas like this everywhere?

Alaskan Sea-Duction

10-01-2013 01:53 PM

Sounds like a good opportunity to start your own company....:thumb:

Tingum

10-01-2013 02:17 PM

No they are not, if I was still in the business I would be offering you a job!

Marin

10-01-2013 02:19 PM

(Justin-- Sent Private Message on your question.)

beachbum29

10-01-2013 02:47 PM

I'm glad you walked. Way back when I was turning wrenches on sailboats. An owner wanted an oil pressure guage installed along with keeping the light. This required two separate sending units put onto a long piece of pipe stock that had to be retreaded to metric since, at the time, standard was only available.

Hence to say that when the owner was motoring in Annapolis, the pipe broke off and the engine pumped itself dry.

Even though I told my boss that this would probably happen and I was not responsible, they elected to refuse my bonus that I had earned and I received 100% of the blame for the incident.

I packed my bags and walked.

So don't ever do anything that comprises your beliefs or judgement, it's not worth it.

psneeld

10-01-2013 06:04 PM

3 kinds of marina's I've come across...top dollar fine yacht service ones that do almost everything right but few can afford them, the fish camps that provide services ...then a huge range of everything else in between....some can do engines others can't some can detail and others can't...etc...etc...etc

C lectric

10-01-2013 11:12 PM

Good that you held your standards.

But not all marinas are like that, Some are, some are not. Just like all businesses.
Some are lousy, some are great. Lots in between.

In many cases the great ones most of us can't afford so it takes some asking around to find the good ones. Then rather than going to one place for all good you will have to search around and become somewhat knowledgeable about who is good at what.

Individual tradesmen are like that. Many are expert in their field and smart but if out of their field , then look out, they may not be so good.

sunchaser

10-02-2013 12:31 AM

Having spray painted many an outdrive with a spray can of Mercruiser Recommended paint following a good sanding, I don't see your problem in point 2.

Daddyo

10-02-2013 12:49 AM

No of course they're not all like that. You can choose to walk or attempt to change the environment and perhaps be given your bosses job one day. Sometimes it's better to stay and fight or at least attempt to persuade although I do not know if there was a reasonable chance of progress being made with these particular people.

And now for my own gratification I must say, that post had more grammatical errors and misspellings then any I have ever seen here on TF. I hope that was just exuberant venting and not the means normally employed to voice opinions or effect change.

justinclay

10-02-2013 01:23 AM

Attempting to change an environment that has been the same for 30 years just is not going to happen. The owner simply does not care so long as money is coming in. The thought of working for a company set up like that makes me sick. Ill work for a smaller business that actually asks their employees how things are going. What we think needs changed and our customers always thank us for our service. The team we have is 3 relaxed guys who are always smiling and enjoying life. The customer sees this and knows, we know what were doing and it gets done faster then anyone else in town. The price of our labor is also cheaper. My grammar isn't the greatest. I was a know it all teenager who dropped out of high school. I got my G.E.D. Went to a local college and took a semester of general education classes along with massage therapy. I didn't finish it. I dont make the greatest money but im happy. I smile why i work, do a lot of others? Ive managed to save quite a bit of money for my first vessel in the spring. I honestly suck at grammer. I know it, others know it but they got the point.

Good night

BruceK

10-02-2013 02:23 AM

Justin, don`t let yourself be upset by someone criticizing your grammar. You communicated your thoughts, that`s what really matters. This is a Forum, not a grammar lesson. And you stood up for what you believe is right and you kept your self respect.
There has to be another Marina with fair trading standards for when you decide to try detailing work again.

justinclay

10-02-2013 05:57 AM

I believe i will not work for a marina again. Rather just when i buy in the spring using it to go Marina to Marina and get side work.

justinclay

10-02-2013 06:13 AM

As for the grammar, im not upset by it. This is a forum not a formal grammatical school. Forums were intended to feed off each others information and knowledge. I have little knowledge of some stuff and is the reason im on here. Also why i ask a lot of questions and for the most part people answer back with sincerity.

Daddyo

10-02-2013 09:42 AM

Your grammar looks just fine to me now. It's a pet peeve of mine when it's over the top:hide:. Like I said if there is no hope then get out of there.

psneeld

10-02-2013 10:23 AM

As long as you are happy where you are now,,,fine...

But if working around boats is your dream and you don't like how some of the businesses are run or even just part of the one you were with...I gotta say that's being short sighted.

I loved being a USCG helo pilot even though I didn't always agree with US Government or even USCG or my commanding officer's policies...but that doesn't mean that I could go look for another job with the same satisfaction...none out there in my mind. So not agreeing how things are done...and as Sunchaser pointed out...your idea of the way of doing things is neither the industry standard or the right way either.

So think long and hard about just "going back" to the way things were if you had a dream...we all have them and often when we get there the "streets aren't lined with gold" as we may have thought...but silver ain't so bad in the long run.

ancora

10-02-2013 11:11 AM

Here in Southern California a marina is a place to keep your boat and a boatyard is where you get work done. Is it different in other places?

psneeld

10-02-2013 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ancora
(Post 182369)

Here in Southern California a marina is a place to keep your boat and a boatyard is where you get work done. Is it different in other places?

yes

alormaria

10-02-2013 01:26 PM

Unless you are the lead sled dog the view is always the same.

skipperdude

10-02-2013 03:39 PM

Justin use that little spell check thingy. ABC with a check mark.

My spelling is horrible.

I just spelled horrible wrong.

SD

Nomad Willy

10-02-2013 03:53 PM

Justin let it go on record that I also was put down for bad spelling and perhaps more. That was only once and some time ago and let the same happen to you.

993guy

10-02-2013 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skipperdude
(Post 182415)

Justin use that little spell check thingy. ABC with a check mark.

My spelling is horrible.

I just spelled horrible wrong.

SD

Ha ha, my spelling is beyond horrendous but fortunately between Firefox's spell check, Office's spell check and the Dictionary.com bookmark on my toolbar it doesn't show very often.

Occasionally I'll type something none of them can decipher so I have to resort to using the Thesaurus...

mahal

10-02-2013 06:48 PM

[QUOTE=Daddyo;182304] that post had more grammatical errors and misspellings then any I have ever seen here on TF.

Is "then" as opposed to "than" a misspelling or grammatical error? How ironic.

Justin, I agree with the poster that suggested starting your own company. Your high standards will likely bring you success.

Forkliftt

10-02-2013 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justinclay
(Post 182329)

As for the grammar, im not upset by it. This is a forum not a formal grammatical school. Forums were intended to feed off each others information and knowledge. I have little knowledge of some stuff and is the reason im on here. Also why i ask a lot of questions and for the most part people answer back with sincerity.

Justin, I think it took a lot of courage to do what you did. 9/29/13 made 16 years of my feeding myself and being in business. One if my biggest complaints was the lack of integrity in my field by the dealerships I worked for. I felt back then that I could be honesty and still make a living- and I have. If you choose to start out on your own I encourage you to embrace the idea that "I'm not the cheapest guy around, but I am the best choice". Ultimately the customer base you build will understand that he will always get your best. And you will always tell him the truth. Not every customer thinks this way, but a lot do. Good luck!!

markpierce

10-02-2013 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ancora
(Post 182369)

Here in Southern California a marina is a place to keep your boat and a boatyard is where you get work done. ...

I've heard very often "The World supports quality". I don't always feel that way, but when I think of the busiest and happiest people I know, the world is supporting them just fine. I'm confident that you're destined to find your place among like-thinkers, and if you don't, you may be destined to lead the non-like thinkers to think about it.

skipperdude

10-02-2013 10:34 PM

one thing I have learned by being in business for myself and talking to other business owners all my life.

One indisputable fact is.

No one will ever pay you for what you are worth.

One exception.

If you are in business for yourself. You will get exactly what you are worth.

SD

fstbttms

10-02-2013 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ancora
(Post 182369)

Here in Southern California a marina is a place to keep your boat and a boatyard is where you get work done. Is it different in other places?

Yes. In California marinas and boatyards must be separate business entities (by law.) The few exceptions to this rule have been grandfathered in. But in general, marinas are where you park your boat and boatyards are where you haul out for maintenance and repairs.

It is fairly irritating to hear easterners using the term "marina" when what they are referring to is a "boatyard." Your marina may have a boatyard or visa versa, but you do not have your boat on the hard for new bottom paint in the marina. :banghead:

Daddyo

10-03-2013 12:31 AM

[QUOTE=mahal;182463]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daddyo
(Post 182304)

that post had more grammatical errors and misspellings then any I have ever seen here on TF.

Is "then" as opposed to "than" a misspelling or grammatical error? How ironic.

Justin, I agree with the poster that suggested starting your own company. Your high standards will likely bring you success.

Really? Read the original post:hide: I'm hardly a spelling/grammar Nazi but that was epic. Can we move on?

markpierce

10-03-2013 01:12 AM

[QUOTE=Daddyo;182536]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mahal
(Post 182463)

Really? Read the original post:hide: I'm hardly a spelling/grammar Nazi but that was epic. Can we move on?

Every day there are multiple spelling and grammatical errors posted here. I've more important issues to deal with.

justinclay

10-03-2013 05:16 AM

So what would you call it then? Ive done a cpl bottom jobs at the marina when i was there. We don't say " bring your boat to the yard". Its always "bring the boat to our marina and we will haul it out for bottom paint". I've been debating for the last 6 months if i wanna open up on business on the river. One of the local marina's has a 35 ft flat deck boat which would be perfect for throwing all my supplies on and going marina to marina.

JohnP

10-03-2013 05:29 AM

Justin, Do folks in your area keep boats at private docks, how about a mobile detailing service? If you could find some help with your work ethic

you would be on your way to a successful business.

JohnP

justinclay

10-03-2013 07:51 AM

Yes they do, we have islands along the Illinois river that are all privately owned. So i could start there. A few people i know could work with me. Nobody is going to work FOR me. They will be working WITH me.

Wxx3

10-03-2013 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justinclay
(Post 182548)

So what would you call it then? Ive done a cpl bottom jobs at the marina when i was there. We don't say " bring your boat to the yard". Its always "bring the boat to our marina and we will haul it out for bottom paint". I've been debating for the last 6 months if i wanna open up on business on the river. One of the local marina's has a 35 ft flat deck boat which would be perfect for throwing all my supplies on and going marina to marina.

Now you're talking.
Just as there are those who will take advantage of your work and thier customers, there are people who will pay for high quality, timely work.

Keep your operation small and go for it.
If your work is as good as you say, you silk be kept busy and be able to set your own standards and hours.
Richard

fstbttms

10-03-2013 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justinclay
(Post 182548)

So what would you call it then? Ive done a cpl bottom jobs at the marina when i was there. We don't say " bring your boat to the yard".

That's exactly what we say. And we say that because that's where the boat will be hauled out and worked upon. And here we have boatyards that have marinas immediately adjacent and boatyards that have no marina nearby. California legalities aside, marinas and boatyards are different locations serving different purposes. If a car mechanic has a parking lot in front of his shop, he doesn't tell you to, "Bring your car to the parking lot and I'll change the oil."

fstbttms

10-03-2013 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justinclay
(Post 182548)

So what would you call it then? Ive done a cpl bottom jobs at the marina when i was there. We don't say " bring your boat to the yard".

That's exactly what we say. And we say that because marinas and boatyards are different locations serving different purposes. If a car mechanic has a parking lot in front of his shop, he doesn't tell you to, "Bring your car to the parking lot and I'll change the oil."

justinclay

10-03-2013 10:43 AM

Here the marina and "yard" or where you would pull the boat out is owned by the same person, on the same piece of property the marina and shop are 30 yards apart. So here its called a marina so ill agree to disagree on that one.

psneeld

10-03-2013 11:51 AM

Back east...it's a little true...especially for the oldtimers...back in the old days you saw marina and yard separately a bit more.

But were's not fussy enough to pass laws over it...and some "marinas" by name provide more and better services than some "boat yards"...

So I'm guessing where the vast majority of boaters in the US are really don't care much what you call them.

I think there's a thread someplace where people are getting huffy over the words "salon" and "saloon"...maybe the marina/yard controversy belongs there with other highly important boating issues.:thumb:

ancora

10-03-2013 12:06 PM

I'm guessin' these marina/yard places are not all that friendly towards D.I.Y.ers.

psneeld

10-03-2013 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ancora
(Post 182609)

I'm guessin' these marina/yard places are not all that friendly towards D.I.Y.ers.

depends..some are, some aren't...

as environmental laws squeak in...more and more limit what you can/can't do...

some help ya and some hurt ya....

beachbum29

10-03-2013 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psneeld
(Post 182617)

depends..some are, some aren't...

as environmental laws squeak in...more and more limit what you can/can't do...

some help ya and some hurt ya....

Many will charge your subs a percentage of the bill usually 10-15%.

CPseudonym

10-03-2013 01:26 PM

There is a yard(currently for lease for $8,000/month) within my marina( can not differentiate boundaries ). Same owner, same island( private island ) but separate and distinct entities for legal reasons. DIY yards do still exist in California but they're as rare as hen teeth.

DIY is not allowed at my home yard/marina but approved, insured contractors are allowed to use the yard by my owner on a job to job basis until the yard is leased in whole by someone. Reason stated to me by harbor master/island manager is pure and simple liability. Owner feels its far cheaper to have a vacant yard than any EPA issues.

psneeld

10-03-2013 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CPseudonym
(Post 182629)

There is a yard(currently for lease for $8,000/month) within my marina( can not differentiate boundaries ). Same owner, same island( private island ) but separate and distinct entities for legal reasons. DIY yards do still exist in California but they're as rare as hen teeth.

DIY is not allowed at my home yard/marina but approved, insured contractors are allowed to use the yard by my owner on a job to job basis until the yard is leased in whole by someone. Reason stated to me by harbor master/island manager is pure and simple liability. Owner feels its far cheaper to have a vacant yard than any EPA issues.

not sure when...but I feel at some point the pendulum may swing back....I'd be willing to post an "environmental bond" till my "area of work" has been inspected by an EPA guy (much like a building inspection process) just so I could continue to work on my own boat.

Concerning most yards...I just don't trust or like the job they do and certainly can't wait for their schedule...hopefully something will bring back sanity to boating...and I even agree to being more sensitive to the environment...but not at the cost it has had on the little guy who really isn't the threat.

fstbttms

10-03-2013 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psneeld
(Post 182633)

not sure when...but I feel at some point the pendulum may swing back....I'd be willing to post an "environmental bond" till my "area of work" has been inspected by an EPA guy (much like a building inspection process) just so I could continue to work on my own boat.

This will never happen. Thee EPA is not staffed to have an inspector come out and check every DIYer's work space in the yard, nor are they mandated to do so. The boatyard is a "point source" of water pollution and under the federal Clean Water Act, are responsible for the effluent they produce. This is why more and more yards are restricting DIY activities. And honestly, it's as much about lawsuits against yards by environmental watchdog groups (some legitimate, some not) as it is the EPA enforcing the law.

Northern Spy

10-03-2013 02:13 PM

[QUOTE=markpierce;182540]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daddyo
(Post 182536)

Every day there are multiple spelling and grammatical errors posted here. I've more important issues to deal with.